Set sail on this small wonder in the Mediterranean

Mega ships and big crowds may be the first images that spring to mind when you think of ocean cruising, but it doesn't have to be that way. A case in point? Ponant's brand-new vessel, Spirit of Ponant. The 24-metre catamaran with six staterooms and capacity for just 12 guests is raising the bar when it comes to intimate voyages with lashings of luxury.

There will be four crew members on deck, including the chef and captain. While discussions with the chef will lead to bespoke meals for all on board, guests can also interact with the captain to shape the cruise: which direction they go and where they stop, including "hidden away anchorages in magical places", according to Herve Gastinel, CEO of Ponant.

Spirit of Ponant will spend this European summer in Corsica, France, offering seven-night Bonifacio-return cruises in the Mediterranean; before making its way to the cerulean waters and pristine white beaches of Seychelles later this year, just in time for the festive season. au.ponant.com